A group of event-goers enjoying a Twilight Cruise on The Captain JP on the Hudson River, helping a Downtown Troy Business Improvement District effort to plant more trees in downtown Troy.
LAUREN HALLIGAN LHALLIGAN@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM

TROY, N.Y. >> A Twilight Cruise aboard the Captain J.P. II will once again help raise funds to grow the city’s urban tree canopy.

The Downtown Troy Business Improvement District recently announced its second annual Twilight Cruise on the Captain J.P. II, a fundraising event for its Raise. Plant. Grow. initiative.

The cruise along the Hudson River will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 27. Boarding will take place at 6:30 p.m. near Front and State streets in downtown Troy.

Local hors d’oeuvres and dessert from Troy restaurants will be served throughout the night, and there will be a live DJ.

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All are invited to enjoy the sunset and a relaxing night among the stars, while cruising along the Hudson River on the Captain J.P. II, one of the largest and most lavish cruise vessels in the Capital Region. The boat has three enclosed decks, equipped with central air for a warm summer night, along with a full service cash bar and dance floor. The rooftop deck will also be open to catch a breeze atop the Hudson River.

Now in its second year, the Twilight Cruise is an annual fundraiser event for the BID’s Raise. Plant. Grow. initiative. The mission is to raise funds to plant up to 150 trees in downtown Troy in order to provide shade, beautification, and areas for community use for visitors, residents, children, pets and entrepreneurs and property owners to enjoy the streets of the district.

Since the last year’s cruise, which served as a kickoff for the initiative, the BID has raised approximately $23,000, about 30 percent of its proposed $75,000 fundraising goal. This year, the BID is hoping to meet this and more with help from event attendees and donors.

Once this goal is met, the organization will move forward with the project, which includes planting 150 new trees throughout downtown.

As funds become available, clearing the city of dead and dying trees will propel the initiative through its stages.

Upon completion of removing stumps from existing tree wells, the opportunity presents itself to plant new trees. As funds continue to accumulate, a request for proposals will be distributed to buy and plant trees. The cost of new trees are $500 each, which includes installation.

The BID plans to ensure maintenance of newly planted trees by staffing individuals each summer to maintain beautification initiatives. The BID’s beautification staff, which is currently responsible for watering hanging baskets and flower pots, as well as cleaning the streets of debris, will manage watering and care of the trees to ensure their growth.

Presale tickets are $60 or two for $100 and are available online at www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-twilight-cruise-on-the-captain-jp-tickets-35727393596. Tickets on the day of sale are $75.

More information on the Twilight Cruise and other BID events is available at www.downtowntroy.org.